ASRB 2025 recruitment notification announces 582 vacancies (ARS, SMS, STO) with applications from Apr 22 to May 21, 2025. Read about eligibility, exam dates, syllabus, and selection process.
The Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board (ASRB) has announced its 2025 NET/ARS/SMS/STO recruitment for 582 total vacancies. Applications open April 22 – May 21, 2025, for posts in Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Subject Matter Specialist (SMS), and Senior Technical Officer (STO). The preliminary exam is slated for Sept 2–4, 2025, and the mains on Dec 7, 2025. This article covers all details – eligibility, dates, application process, syllabus overview, selection procedure – plus ASRB background and preparation tips.
About ASRB (Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board)
Summary: ASRB is a premier body under India’s Ministry of Agriculture, responsible for recruiting scientists/officers for ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research). Established in 1973, it conducts the NET exam and related ARS/SMS/STO exams for agricultural universities and research institutes.
- Role of ASRB: Under the Department of Agricultural Research & Education (DARE), it screens and qualifies candidates for faculty and technical positions in agriculture.
- Exams Conducted: ASRB conducts the National Eligibility Test (NET) and combined exams for ARS, SMS, and STO posts. Clearing NET (also called ICAR NET) enables candidates to apply for Assistant Professor/Lecturer roles in state agricultural universities.
Key Highlights and Vacancy Details
Summary: The 2025 notification announces 582 vacancies across ARS, SMS, and STO roles. These are split by cadre as shown below.
| Post | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Agricultural Research Service (ARS) | 458 |
| Subject Matter Specialist (SMS) (T-6) | 41 |
| Senior Technical Officer (STO) (T-6) | 83 |
| Total | 582 |
- Notification: Official notification released (Feb 24, 2025) announcing these vacancies.
- Posts: ARS posts require a Ph.D. in a relevant field; SMS and STO posts require a Master’s degree.
- Age: Candidates must be 21+ years. The upper age limit is 32 years for ARS (as of Aug 1, 2025) and 35 years for SMS/STO (as of May 21, 2025). NET/Lecturer posts have no upper age limit.
Important Dates
Summary: Key dates for ASRB NET 2025 are as follows:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Released | Feb 24, 2025 |
| Online Registration Begins | Apr 22, 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | May 21, 2025 |
| Preliminary Exam (NET/ARS/SMS/STO) | Sept 2–4, 2025 |
| Main Exam | Dec 7, 2025 |
Each date above is confirmed by the official notification. Candidates should apply early to avoid last-minute issues.
Eligibility Criteria
Summary: Candidates must meet education and age requirements.
- Education: A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in the relevant subject is mandatory for SMS/STO and NET. (ARS posts typically require a doctorate in a related field.)
- Age: Minimum age 21 years for all posts. No upper age limit for NET (Lecturer); ARS: 21–32 years; SMS/STO: 21–35 years.
- Others: Candidates must be Indian citizens. Check the official notice for category-wise relaxations (e.g. OBC, SC/ST, PwBD).
Application Process
Summary: Applications are accepted online only via ASRB’s portal.
- Register online: From April 22, 2025, visit the official ASRB website (asrb.org.in) and access the NET/ARS/SMS/STO 2025 application link.
- Fill Details: Complete the form with personal, academic, and contact information. Select which exam(s) you’re applying for (NET, ARS, SMS, STO or combinations).
- Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of required documents (education certificates, photo, signature).
- Application Fee: Pay the prescribed fee online. The fee varies by category and post combination:
- General (UR): ₹1000 for ARS/SMS/STO (any combo), ₹2000 if applying for NET along with ARS/SMS/STO.
- OBC/EWS: ₹800 for ARS/SMS/STO, ₹500 for NET, ₹1300 if combined.
- SC/ST/PwBD/Women/Transgender: ₹250 for NET, no fee for ARS/SMS/STO posts.
- Submit: Complete payment and submit the application. Download the confirmation page for future reference.
Selection Process and Exam Pattern
Summary: Selection involves written exams (and interview for ARS/SMS/STO).
- ASRB NET (Eligibility Test): A single-stage online exam. It consists of 150 multiple-choice questions (150 marks) to be solved in 2 hours. Each correct answer earns 1 mark; wrong answers carry a –⅓ penalty. It tests a candidate’s depth in their chosen subject (Master’s level).
- ARS/SMS/STO Selection: Follows a three-stage process:
- Preliminary Exam: Combined qualifying test (150 MCQs, 150 marks, 2 hours, –⅓ negative marking). This is common for NET, ARS, SMS, and STO aspirants.
- Main Exam: Descriptive written test (300 marks, 3 hours) on the chosen subject. Only prelims qualifiers sit for this.
- Interview: Shortlisted candidates from the main exam are interviewed (45 marks).
- Cutoffs: Minimum qualifying marks are generally ~50% for UR, with relaxations for reserved categories.
- Exam Pattern Snapshot:
| Stage | Paper Type | Total Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preliminary | MCQ (Qualifying) | 150 | 2 hours |
| Main (Descriptive) | Subject Essay | 300 | 3 hours |
| Personal Interview | — | 45 | — |
(Combined preliminary serves as NET eligibility test.)
Syllabus Overview
Summary: ASRB NET syllabus is discipline-specific, covering topics in your chosen agricultural field.
- Disciplines: There are around 57 subject options (e.g. Agronomy, Genetics, Plant Pathology, etc.).
- Subject Topics: Each discipline has a detailed syllabus. For example, Agricultural Biotechnology includes topics like cell structure, gene expression, molecular genetics, tissue culture, and plant genetic engineering.
- Study Materials: Candidates should refer to standard Master’s-level textbooks and ICAR NET syllabus PDFs. Detailed subject-wise syllabi are available on ASRB’s website (links provided in the official notification).
Preparation Tips
Summary: Systematic study and practice are key.
- Know the Syllabus: Start by thoroughly understanding the official syllabus for your chosen subject.
- Regular Schedule: Create and stick to a study timetable; consistent daily study is crucial.
- Quality Resources: Use standard textbooks and ICAR/ASRB-recommended study material. Avoid memorization; focus on concepts.
- Practice Papers: Solve previous year ASRB NET/ARS question papers to get familiar with the pattern and difficulty. Time yourself while practicing MCQs.
- Revise & Stay Updated: Regular revision is essential. Also, stay informed on recent developments or technologies in your field of agriculture, as such questions may appear.
- Interview Prep (for ARS/SMS/STO): Brush up on your subject and communication skills. Be prepared to discuss your master’s/Ph.D. work and current agricultural issues.
By combining diligent study of core topics with ample practice, candidates can improve their chances of success in this competitive exam.
FAQs
Q1: What is the ASRB NET (ICAR NET) exam?
A: The ASRB NET (also known as ICAR NET) is a national eligibility test conducted by ASRB. It determines eligibility for Assistant Professor/Lecturer posts in agricultural universities. Clearing NET makes candidates eligible for faculty jobs and also forms part of the ARS/SMS/STO selection process.
Q2: How many vacancies are announced for ASRB NET/ARS/SMS/STO 2025?
A: The 2025 notification announces a total of 582 vacancies, comprising 458 ARS posts, 41 SMS (T-6) posts, and 83 STO (T-6) posts.
Q3: What are the eligibility criteria for these exams?
A: Candidates must have a Master’s degree in the relevant discipline. Minimum age is 21. For ARS, the upper age limit is 32; for SMS/STO, it’s 35 (both as of the respective cutoff dates). There is no upper age limit for the NET exam.
Q4: What are the important dates for ASRB 2025 recruitment?
A: Notification was released on Feb 24, 2025. Online registration opens April 22 and closes May 21, 2025. The Preliminary exam is scheduled for Sept 2–4, 2025, and the Main exam on Dec 7, 2025.
Q5: How do I apply for the ASRB NET/ARS/SMS/STO exam?
A: Apply online through the ASRB website (asrb.org.in) during the registration window. Fill the application form, upload documents, and pay the requisite fee according to your category. Print the confirmation for your records.
Q6: What is the exam pattern for ASRB NET and ARS/SMS/STO exams?
A: The NET exam is 150 MCQs (150 marks) in 2 hours (1 mark/question, –⅓ for wrong answers). For ARS/SMS/STO, the Preliminary is similar. Qualified candidates then take a 300-mark descriptive Mains and a 45-mark interview.